Monday, April 1, 2013

Fun Facts, Features, and Figures of Ferrets! by Megan Armor, DVM

What is
a ferret?

A ferret is a type of carnivore related to
the weasel, otter, and badger. They were initially domesticated to hunt rats
and mice in people's homes, farms, and ships. They are very efficient predators
and, unlike cats, can fit into very small spaces where rats and mice like to
hide. Domestic ferrets have also been bred to help hunt rabbits for food and
for their pelts. Today, the majority of ferrets are used as companion animals.

What
makes a ferret a good pet?

Ferrets are small, clean, and truly seem to
like human interaction. They have very engaging and endearing personalities,
plus they're cute! They also can get along well in groups with each other,
cats, and dogs. They are very playful animals. If you would like an active,
soft, cute critter that will have hours of fun exploring your house and getting
attention from you, a ferret might be a good choice.

What
might make a ferret a bad pet?

Ferrets can bite, and they have sharp teeth.
They also may be less than patient with the grasps and attentions of a small
child, so they're not ideal pets for families with little children. They can
also be very naughty. Their small size and elongated bodies are perfect for
slipping into tight spots that you may have trouble getting them out of! They
like especially shiny objects and can steal your jewelry, keys, or other small
objects and hide them away from you. Sometimes they even swallow objects they
shouldn't and get blocked. Ferrets are illegal to own in certain areas, including
California. It is legal, however, to take your ferret to the vet for care and
for your veterinarian to treat ferrets.

What
does a ferret eat?

Ferrets are true carnivores, which means
they are designed to eat whole prey animals and a commercial diet should
reflect that. They have a very short digestive tract and cannot handle lots of
carbohydrates and fiber. Their diet should be high in fat and good-quality
protein, either a ferret-specific kibble or a freeze-dried carnivore diet made
for ferrets. They should NOT eat cat or kitten food. Sweets and fruits, while
appetizing and readily eaten, may cause obesity and diarrhea and should be
minimized.

How do I
house my ferret?

A ferret should be kept in a well-ventilated
cage when you cannot monitor them with a place to burrow, nest and sleep, plus
a litter box and toys. A non-clumping litter - like pellets, is best. However, ferrets are playful, curious animals
and they should NOT be confined to their cages continuously but rather given
space in the house to roam and play. A well ferret-proofed play area is free of
foam-containing furniture, such as couches and chairs, and other soft toys that
a ferret might eat. You should also avoid rubber bands, ear plugs, shoes and
any rubber or foam material that is the most likely to be ingested and block a
ferrets' intestines. At least two hours of play time is needed per day. If you
cannot give your ferret at least two hours a day to run around and play, you
should not keep a ferret.

What
kind of sicknesses does a ferret get?

The short answer is a lot. Ferrets have a
short life expectancy, about four to six years, and the majority of ferrets
will end up being affected by one or more types of cancer as they age. Common
types of ferret cancer include lymphoma, pancreatic insulinomas, and adrenal
gland tumors. Ferrets also can suffer from heart disease, dental disease,
gastroenteritis (diarrhea), diabetes, kidney disease, and bladder or prostate
problems. Ferrets can also contract the human flu virus!

Does my
ferret need vaccines?

Yes. Ferrets should be vaccinated for both
distemper and rabies viruses annually.

How
often should my ferret see the vet?

Because of a ferrets' short life-span and
high incidence of disease and neoplasia (cancer) that ferrets can get, it is
recommended that your ferret have a preventive care exam every six months, or
twice yearly. Additionally for ferrets older than four years of age we
recommend annual blood tests. Glucose monitoring is important for any lethargic
older ferret. Endocrine (hormone) testing is also available for ferrets with hair
loss on the tail or other signs suggestive of adrenal gland disease.

Dr. Megan Armor is a 2006 graduate of the
Veterinary School of the University of California, Davis. She previously
graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of California, San Diego
with a B.S in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. An experienced veterinarian, Dr. Armor has a
special interest in treating pocket pets such as ferrets, rabbits, and
guinea pigs, in addition to cats and dogs. She grew up in the Bay Area
and currently lives in Walnut Creek with her Labrador Gator, Boxer
Ringo, orange tabby Catface and an Oscar-fish named Robby